The National Weather Service office in Honolulu has issued a Tropical Storm Warning covering 14 areas across Hawaii, including coastal waters around Kauai and Oahu and several communities on Oahu. The warning was issued on September 7 at 4:57 PM HST.
Affected areas include Kauai Windward Waters, the Kauai Channel, Oahu Windward and Leeward Waters, Olomana, the Waianae Coast, the Ewa Plain, Koolau Leeward and Windward, the Waianae Mountains, and four additional zones. A Tropical Storm Warning means tropical storm conditions – sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph, along with heavy rain and rough seas – are expected within the warning area, typically within 36 hours.
What You Might Notice
Residents and boaters in these areas can expect strengthening winds, bands of heavy rain, and hazardous ocean conditions, including high surf and dangerous currents along windward shores. Power outages from downed tree limbs or lines are possible, and low-lying roads may experience localized flooding. Marine conditions in the Kauai Channel will deteriorate quickly, making small craft travel unsafe.
If you live in or are visiting the affected areas, now is the time to take simple, sensible steps:
1. Secure loose items. Bring in or tie down outdoor furniture, grills, and anything that could become airborne in gusty winds.
2. Stay off the water and out of the surf. Small craft should remain in port, and swimmers should avoid beaches on windward sides where surf and rip currents will be strongest.
3. Charge devices and check supplies. Make sure phones are charged, flashlights have batteries, and you have water and basic supplies in case of a brief power outage. Keep tuned to local forecasts for updates on the storm’s track and timing.
This information comes from the National Weather Service (NWS) Honolulu office, part of NOAA.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Tropical Storm Warning actually mean?
It means sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph, heavy rain, and rough seas are expected in the warning area within roughly 36 hours. It is a signal to finish preparations now, not to panic.
What should I do right now if I'm on Oahu or Kauai?
Secure loose outdoor items, charge your phone, avoid beaches and ocean activities, and monitor NWS Honolulu updates. No evacuation has been announced at this time.
Is it safe to go boating or surfing in the Kauai Channel?
No. The warning covers the Kauai Channel and surrounding waters, where seas will become dangerous quickly. Small craft should stay in port until the warning is lifted.
How long will this warning last?
Tropical storm warnings typically remain in effect until the storm passes, which for Hawaii systems is often 12 to 36 hours. Follow NWS Honolulu for official updates on timing and any changes to the storm's path.
Keep tracking this:
Source: National Weather Service (NWS)
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Sky & Solar Conditions at the Time
Moon: Waning Crescent (11% illuminated), in Leo.
Notable planetary angles: Jupiter trine Saturn (122°), Sun sextile Mars (58°).
Concurrent space weather: planetary Kp index 4.3; strongest recent solar flare: nothing notable.
This is a factual snapshot, not a claim of cause and effect – researchers are divided on whether lunar, planetary or solar factors influence seismic or weather activity. It’s included so readers can track the pattern for themselves over time.
